The test performed in Denmark revealed the need to lighten the rifle, as well as the possible benefits of a completely new action.
The feedback given by the Danes was vital in the further development of the weapon. One of the early prototypes of the new rifle was sent to Denmark. In 1886, Denmark was on the verge of adopting a new rifle for its armed forces. Ĭlose-up of an open American 1896 Springfield Krag magazine loading gate Early models contained ten rounds and were fitted to modified versions of the Jarmann-though they could be adapted to any bolt-action rifle. The principal feature of the capsule magazine was that instead of being a straight box protruding below the stock of the rifle, it wrapped around the bolt action. Together they developed the capsule magazine. Not satisfied with the tubular magazine of the Jarmann rifle and his earlier Krag–Petersson rifle (adopted by the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1876), he enlisted the help of master gunsmith Erik Jørgensen. Ole Krag, captain in the Norwegian Army and director of Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk (the government weapons factory), therefore continued the development of small arms, as he had since at least 1866. Several nations adopted small calibre repeating bolt-action rifles during this decade.Įven though Norway had adopted the repeating Jarmann rifle in 1884, it was soon clear that it was at best an interim weapon. During this decade smokeless powder came into general use, and the calibre of various service rifles diminished. The 1880s were an interesting period in the development of modern firearms. 7.4 Lieutenant Tobiensen's "speed loader"Ĭloseup of the Krag–Jørgensen receiver and magazine door on a Norwegian M1912 carbine.7 Special Krag–Jørgensen rifles / carbines and oddities.5 Production for Nazi Germany during World War II.4.3 Bayonets for Norwegian Krag–Jørgensen.4.2 Subtypes of the Krag–Jørgensen used in Norway.4.1 Norwegian-style Krag rifles in Boer service.3.1 Subtypes of the Krag–Jørgensen used in the United States.
Normal loading was one cartridge at a time, and this could be done more easily with a Krag than a rifle with a "box" magazine. The design presents both advantages and disadvantages compared with a top-loading "box" magazine. Later, similar to a charger, a claw type clip would be made for the Krag that allowed the magazine to be loaded all at once, also known as the Krag "speedloader magazine". Instead of a charger, single cartridges are inserted through the side opening, and are pushed up, around, and into the action by a spring follower. While many other rifles of its era use an integral box magazine loaded by a charger or stripper clip, the magazine of the Krag–Jørgensen is integral with the receiver (the part of the rifle that houses the operating parts), featuring an opening on the right hand side with a hinged cover. About 300 were delivered to Boer forces of the South African Republic.Ī distinctive feature of the Krag–Jørgensen action is its magazine. It was adopted as a standard arm by Norway, Denmark, and the United States. The Krag–Jørgensen is a repeating bolt-action rifle designed by the Norwegians Ole Herman Johannes Krag and Erik Jørgensen in the late 19th century.